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Churches have a part to play in fight against crime
Church in the Community - Media Release in the Herald: 3rd October 2022
Source: TCN / Ds Danie Mouton
Date Added: 2022-10-03
Category: General News, TCN News, Issues - General,
Date Added: 2022-10-03
Category: General News, TCN News, Issues - General,
"Police officers are human beings too, suffering of being overburdened, stressed, and in need of debriefing and counselling ", Major General Vuyisile Ncatha recently told a meeting of the Nelson Mandela Bay Church Leader Network. "They need your support."
Ncatha is the newly-appointed district commissioner of the SA Police Service (SAPS) in Nelson Mandela Bay.
"The struggle against crime and the growing arrogance of criminals needs the active support of the church and broader civil society. Otherwise, we run the risk of becoming a gangster state."
Ncatha has first-hand experience of the power of church and community involvement in the prevention of crime. In his previous role as station commander of Nyanga, formerly for decades the murder capital of South Africa, he took initiative to involve the whole community.
The murder rate in Nyanga dropped by more than 20 places on the scale or reported murders in South Africa.
During his farewell function in Nyanga, Dumisani Qwebe, secretary of the Nyanga Community Policing Forum, said according to press reports Ncatha had an open-door policy.
"We are very proud of him and all he has achieved. He has always been a people’s person. Hence the CPF had a good relationship with him," said Qwebe.
Through his presentation Nelson Mandela Bay church leaders learnt first-hand about Ncatha's vision for the battle against crime.
What lies behind rampant substance abuse which leads to crime? Why are gangs flourishing?
He stressed the important and irreplaceable role of the police to combat crime. The do so within the framework of the law, but need brave witnesses of crime to come forward.
The contribution of the police to safety and security is also limited. They fight criminal conduct, but need churches and civil society to influence people's behaviour.
Due to the large number of people attending church services, the church is in a unique position to influence and change attitudes.
One possibility is for churches to form and institutionalise anti-crime intervention centres where programmes to form moral human beings and constructive ways to deal with life's challenges can be shaped in communities.
He is also worried by the growing arrogance of criminals. There is a concerted effort to change social rules in order to normalise and glorify crime.
Ncatha referred to gangs who insist that gun salutes be fired at the funeral of their members. Parents and families who bury a son are being told what will happen at the graveside.
Churches should not allow criminal activity to be honoured in this way.
He also mentioned a friend of his who considered nomination as local counsellor.
Due to his reputation of honesty and fairness he was visited beforehand by a syndicate who advised him not to avail himself as counsellor.
"We will have to take you out if you do not cooperate with us", they said.
Previously criminals stole to enrich themselves, e.g. robbing a bank.
Nowadays, they threaten and extort protection money from businesses and the vulnerable. Even establishments like churches may be targeted to pay protection fees.
Ncatha is fully aware of elements in the police force own complicity in criminal activity. There is additionally often apathy about crime present.
For this reason, "we as police officers need to renew our vows to create a safe, crime-free community", he said.
Blaming and complaining about the police is not the only option. Remember, police are human too. As mere humans facing tremendous challenges and temptations, they need the support of the church.
In response to Ncatha's address church leaders identified a number of first practical steps local churches can take to benefit safety and security in communities.
Firstly, the Police Stations in Nelson Mandela Bay will be linked to the municipal wards they serve. The database with this information is kept online at the Transformation Christian Network's website, www.tcn.org.za.
Churches in municipal wards are encouraged to care for their specific assigned police station.
This is what can be done:
Firstly, adopt the police station. Join the local Ward Community Policing Forum or Neighbourhood Watch and assist the police with their mammoth task. Ask the commanding officer to visit your church's worship service, to make their needs known and support the station in an appropriate and practical manner
Secondly, visit the local police station and its personnel. Get to know them, get basic information about their families and needs and pray for the officers and their families by name.
Thirdly, the police are often confronted with angry communities, bent on the destruction of infrastructure to voice their displeasure.
Many church leaders and congregants are trained in mediation of facilitation skills. Invite different role-players and mediate needs
Local churches can assist to promote peace, safety and security in your ward.
Play a more prominent role in dealing with situations that require skilful mediation and conflict resolution skills.
Ds Danie Mouton
Executive director of the Dutch Reformed Church in the Eastern Cape
Ncatha is the newly-appointed district commissioner of the SA Police Service (SAPS) in Nelson Mandela Bay.
"The struggle against crime and the growing arrogance of criminals needs the active support of the church and broader civil society. Otherwise, we run the risk of becoming a gangster state."
Ncatha has first-hand experience of the power of church and community involvement in the prevention of crime. In his previous role as station commander of Nyanga, formerly for decades the murder capital of South Africa, he took initiative to involve the whole community.
The murder rate in Nyanga dropped by more than 20 places on the scale or reported murders in South Africa.
During his farewell function in Nyanga, Dumisani Qwebe, secretary of the Nyanga Community Policing Forum, said according to press reports Ncatha had an open-door policy.
"We are very proud of him and all he has achieved. He has always been a people’s person. Hence the CPF had a good relationship with him," said Qwebe.
Through his presentation Nelson Mandela Bay church leaders learnt first-hand about Ncatha's vision for the battle against crime.
What lies behind rampant substance abuse which leads to crime? Why are gangs flourishing?
He stressed the important and irreplaceable role of the police to combat crime. The do so within the framework of the law, but need brave witnesses of crime to come forward.
The contribution of the police to safety and security is also limited. They fight criminal conduct, but need churches and civil society to influence people's behaviour.
Due to the large number of people attending church services, the church is in a unique position to influence and change attitudes.
One possibility is for churches to form and institutionalise anti-crime intervention centres where programmes to form moral human beings and constructive ways to deal with life's challenges can be shaped in communities.
He is also worried by the growing arrogance of criminals. There is a concerted effort to change social rules in order to normalise and glorify crime.
Ncatha referred to gangs who insist that gun salutes be fired at the funeral of their members. Parents and families who bury a son are being told what will happen at the graveside.
Churches should not allow criminal activity to be honoured in this way.
He also mentioned a friend of his who considered nomination as local counsellor.
Due to his reputation of honesty and fairness he was visited beforehand by a syndicate who advised him not to avail himself as counsellor.
"We will have to take you out if you do not cooperate with us", they said.
Previously criminals stole to enrich themselves, e.g. robbing a bank.
Nowadays, they threaten and extort protection money from businesses and the vulnerable. Even establishments like churches may be targeted to pay protection fees.
Ncatha is fully aware of elements in the police force own complicity in criminal activity. There is additionally often apathy about crime present.
For this reason, "we as police officers need to renew our vows to create a safe, crime-free community", he said.
Blaming and complaining about the police is not the only option. Remember, police are human too. As mere humans facing tremendous challenges and temptations, they need the support of the church.
In response to Ncatha's address church leaders identified a number of first practical steps local churches can take to benefit safety and security in communities.
Firstly, the Police Stations in Nelson Mandela Bay will be linked to the municipal wards they serve. The database with this information is kept online at the Transformation Christian Network's website, www.tcn.org.za.
Churches in municipal wards are encouraged to care for their specific assigned police station.
This is what can be done:
Firstly, adopt the police station. Join the local Ward Community Policing Forum or Neighbourhood Watch and assist the police with their mammoth task. Ask the commanding officer to visit your church's worship service, to make their needs known and support the station in an appropriate and practical manner
Secondly, visit the local police station and its personnel. Get to know them, get basic information about their families and needs and pray for the officers and their families by name.
Thirdly, the police are often confronted with angry communities, bent on the destruction of infrastructure to voice their displeasure.
Many church leaders and congregants are trained in mediation of facilitation skills. Invite different role-players and mediate needs
Local churches can assist to promote peace, safety and security in your ward.
Play a more prominent role in dealing with situations that require skilful mediation and conflict resolution skills.
Ds Danie Mouton
Executive director of the Dutch Reformed Church in the Eastern Cape
Source: TCN / Ds Danie Mouton
Date Added: 2022-10-03
Category: General News, TCN News, Issues - General,
Back to News IndexDate Added: 2022-10-03
Category: General News, TCN News, Issues - General,
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